God's Minute

October 13

1 John 5:8

If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us.

With gratitude for Thy protection during the night watches, we begin, O Lord, the new life of a new day. Our paths will be the busy thoroughfares--walk Thou with us unseen. Our thoughts will be of our business--let not our hearts cleave to these things, but through the sweet influence of Thy Spirit, incline us to seek things that endure. We shall be tempted today, we may be drawn to the verge of some awful mistake--in the swift moment of danger, when we cannot withdraw to our closet of prayer, give us to know the right, and the power to do it.

Let not trifles ruffle our temper, not disappointments unman us; let not exacting duties make us selfish and churlish; give us rather a sunshiny face, a forthright hand, and the joy of a word fitly spoken to some timid, discouraged soul.

Strength for the day's service give us in such measure as Thou willest; pass by our sins of omission; and when the shadows fall, bring us again, unsullied by thought, or word, or deed, to sweet refreshing sleep. For Christ's sake.

Amen.

Hon. John Stites,
Louisville, KY